An industrial estate was partially evacuated, along with a number of nearby houses, following a 'chemical incident' inside a building. Workers spent their afternoons stood or sat outside waiting for an update and unable to collect their personal belongings from inside the building, as emergency services worked to make the scene safe.
Manchester Evening News understands that the incident was an ammonia leak at the Kara Foodservice unit. Fortunately, there were no casualties, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed.
Five homes on nearby Nuttall Avenue were also temporarily evacuated as a precaution, as residents and local businesses were warned to keep their windows and doors shut. People were also advised to stay away from the area.
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The incident was first reported at around 12.30pm today (Monday April 25) and firefighters in hazmat suits entered the building. By 5.30pm, there was still no sign of emergency services leaving, with a clean-up still required to ensure that the building is safe to work in. It is anticipated that they will be there through the night.
Those workers with cars were eventually allowed to enter the cordon to collect them and drive home. However, employees with belongings such as house keys and mobile phones still in their lockers were told that they would not be able to collect them for safety reasons.
A GMFRS spokesman said: "Just before 12.30pm today (April 25), firefighters were called to a chemical incident at a commercial unit on Park Seventeen in Whitefield. Four fire engines from Blackley, Bury, Broughton and Whitefield stations, alongside a Command Support Unit from Atherton quickly attended.
"Firefighters are working with colleagues from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) to assess the scene and use various equipment to make the scene safe. There are no reports of any casualties and crews remain on the scene at this time. Local residents are advised to keep windows and doors shut and avoid the area."
M.E.N has contacted Kara Foodservice for further information. GMP and NWAS have also been contacted for comment.
